Advertisement

Ontario government cuts $24 million in funding to two artificial intelligence research institutes

File photo of Doug Ford. Nathan Denette / The Canadian Press

TORONTO – Ontario has cut funding for artificial intelligence research, eliminating $24 million to two institutes.

The Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence was due to receive $30 million under an agreement with the previous government, but got $10 million last year from the current government.

No further money is budgeted in the government’s expenditure estimates for this year for the Vector Institute, but a spokeswoman says that doesn’t mean there won’t be any future funding.

There will also be $4 million less flowing to the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The Progressive Conservatives are trying to eliminate an $11.7-billion deficit, and a spokeswoman for the economic development minister says Ontario needs to get its fiscal house in order.

Story continues below advertisement

Sarah Letersky says the government has a great working relationship with both institutes and looks forward to continuing to make Ontario a top destination for AI commercialization.

When the Vector Institute was launched in 2017, the Liberal government at the time said the province’s investment would help encourage research and development and create jobs.

Premier Doug Ford is set to speak this afternoon to the Collision technology conference in Toronto.

Sponsored content

AdChoices